A WIN THAT MEANS MORE THAN THREE POINTS

 

Written by: Vincente Garcia Miale, SFL Staff Writer | Photo credit: Houston Dynamo FC

HOUSTON - The Houston Dynamo faced LAFC on a cold, rainy night at the Space City. Los Naranjas sought their first win of the 2025 season against an LAFC that defeated Lionel Messi in a midweek clash for the Concacaf Champions Cup. Ben Olsen’s team arrived at Matchday 7 with only two points from draws on the road. In front was a Los Angeles FC team that collected nine points in six games. 

 

With the return of Blake Gillingham in goal for the second time in a row and Erik Sviatchenko back as one of the starting center-backs, Ben Olsen aimed to end the negative streak of results. Fans at The Shell witnessed two similar teams during the first half. LAFC, led by Steve Cherundolo, attempted to attack with complete control of the ball; the Dynamo opposed. Houston’s pressure as LAFC tried to build out of the back was enough for the Dynamo to record 68% of possession in a scoreless first half. 

 

Jack McGlynn showcased his skills with multiple shots from outside the box but lacked a bit of luck. The American midfielder’s best attempts were saved by the experienced French goalkeeper and 2018 World Cup winner Hugo Lloris.

 

Venezuelan young talent David Martinez could not finish the best scoring chance for LAFC after a well-constructed play from out of the back. Midfielder Odin Holm found Martinez in a quick change of direction behind the halfway mark. Martinez dribbled past Franco Escobar to take a right-foot shot saved by Gillingham with only 4 minutes remaining in the first half.

 

Excitement erupted in Houston 57 minutes into the match due to a McGlynn run down the right wing. The 21-year-old defeated Lloris after another outside-the-box shot that was perfectly placed in the bottom corner to give the Houston Dynamo a 1-0 lead. McGlynn scored his first goal as a Naranja and tallied the fifth team goal of the season. 

 

With 15 minutes remaining in the match LAFC began stealing the ball from Houston and advanced with authority. Cherundolo’s team almost found the equalizer after a long combination of passes that resulted in a header inside the box. The offensive effort from The Black and Gold was denied by Gillingham with a quick right-handed reaction that kept Houston in front.

 

A well-prepared and focused Dynamo team secured a 1-0 win over LAFC, obtaining its first win of the season and becoming the first team in MLS to hold LAFC scoreless in five consecutive regular season matches.